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With Trevor Harris not playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, a potent rushing attack from AJ Ouellette powered the team to a win on Saturday night.
Ouellette had 139 yards and a touchdown in the win — his first game over the century mark as a Rider.
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“Finally — it took too long,” said Ouellette, who had 96 and 91 yards in the team’s last two contests. “Every game I feel is going to be a big game with the guys we have up front and the receivers blocking.”
It allowed the Riders to earn a 37-18 CFL win over the B.C. Lions at Mosaic Stadium to improve to 4-0 to start 2025.
With Harris out for the game, Jake Maier started his first game for the Riders. He finished the day with 13 completions on 23 attempts for 170 yards and a touchdown.
“There are a lot of different words I can use for it but amazing is probably the best. It wasn’t perfect, obviously, but it’s a joy to be a part of this team and I’m just happy I was able to contribute to the team today,” Maier said.
Jake Maier had 13 completions on 23 attempts for 170 yards and a touchdown. (Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted)
Maier admitted the timing was just a bit off in his first start of the season.
The touchdown pass was to second-year receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby — his first touchdown catch.
“I had to make sure I scored the touchdown. I got up to look at the ref and I told all the guys once I dive into the end zone, I’m going to start surfing on them so that’s what I did,” Duncan-Busby said.
One of the biggest plays in the game came as time was expiring in the second quarter. Jeremiah Masoli, who was starting the game at quarterback for the injured Nathan Rourke, had the Lions driving and poised to kick a field goal to take the lead before halftime.
But on the final offensive play before that kick would take place, Masoli threw a pass that was intercepted by defensive back Tevaughn Campbell. That interception was returned 89 yards for a touchdown, and the Riders never looked back from there.
“I saw the ball floating out there. I kind of didn’t believe it at first but as soon as it touched my hand, I was like, ‘End zone, end zone, end zone.’ I looked to the side and saw Masoli running and I said, ‘Damn, I need to run this one’,” Campbell said.
The Riders’ defence forced Masoli into thrown three interceptions — Campbell, Rolan Milligan Jr. and Antoine Brooks Jr. all came away with the ball. Masoli finished the game with those three picks as well as 173 yards and a touchdown.
Chase Brice came into the game late for the Lions, completing three of four passes for 29 yards.
After having to wait for his opportunity on the practice roster after a great training camp and preseason, that was Brooks’ first CFL interception.
“It means a lot. It finally shows that I was a good asset to the team,” Brooks Jr. said.
Riders head coach Corey Mace was excited to see the young defender get rewarded for his efforts.
“He has been through so much on the field, off the field, and he will just show up with his personality. He is constantly laughing and joking with his teammates. He works so hard to give a look, even to the offence in the scout team,” Mace said. “For him to have that moment, just so happy for him.”
Kicker Brett Lauther was able to bounce back in this game. He finished five-for-five on field goal attempts and both convert kicks.
Lions running back James Butler enjoyed some success on the ground against the Riders, rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown.
B.C. kicker Sean Whyte was good on his only field goal attempt and his one convert kick.
Penalties were a bit of an issue for the Riders in this game. After 18 penalties last week, the club committed 10 infractions for 136 yards in this contest.
“I know so badly what this team wants, and we won’t get there if we do that,” Mace said.
The Riders are 4-0 heading into the club’s first of three bye weeks. When the club returns to practice, Harris is also expected to be back.
“The Trevor situation and the timing with the protocol didn’t work. Trevor will be fine. I would expect him to be ready for Calgary,” Mace said. “I think throughout the season (the bye weeks) are spaced out for us pretty equally. I know the guys are looking forward to it. Certainly we are waiting for a couple of guys and see what their status is coming off the bye.
“They will be happy to have a little bit time to just sit in the cold tub and maybe have a Pilsner or two.”
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